When browning meat first, does the insert conduct heat well and evenly? Less to clean up is great, but more important for me is even browning. Thx!
36596
I use a smooth top electric range, and have had all successes with evenly browned meat! It heats quickly, nd you don't lose the good bits in the bottom when you brown the meat, because you put it back onto the slow cooker! As with any recipe, you just need o keep your eye on it.
36597
It browns as well as a good pan with a decent core would. You definitely don't feel like you're sacrificing performance for convenience.
36598
yes. i have only browned meat 3 times in it, but it was even. it is a non stick insert.
36599
Yes. I use it to brown on a gas range. The weight is substantial and quite thick - not at all flimsy like many non-stick inserts. Its finish reminds me of the pricey Calphalon cookware rather than plain Teflon. The handles of both the cooker and the insert get very hot, but it can also be used as a roasting pan in the oven. Potholders or oven mitts are necessary even on the countertop.
36600
I've had no problems; however, I have a glass top electric stove and the elements are quite large. A friend who has a regular sized gas stove found that she had to keep her eye on meats and do a lot of moving around to get even browning. In the long run, she felt it was worth the extra effort to use only one pot.
36601
I never had a chance to try it because it stopped working on the 31st day after the purchase. Too late to return to Amazon. I wouldn't recommend it.
36602
Yes, fairly well.. like an aluminum skillet. I've only used it on an electric range, not gas, so I'm not sure if that would make a difference.
862215
Yes, I have. I used a table fork to turn meat while browning, and that did leave little chips. Now I only use wooden spoons. So far, the chips have not enlarged and it's been a few years.
1027358
I haven't had a grill with stainless grates. I can tell you that if you let the grill burn on high for 5 minutes after you finish cooking, and then wait untill it heats up for the session, brush and your ready to go!
1102542
The only issue I have had with the coating is when I was running late from work and asked my 14 year old to shred the meat. I should have been more specific because she used 2 metal forks and did it in the pan. Filled with scratches during it's second use. However I have had no further issues with those scratches getting worse. Have seared meat in it a couple times without any issues.
952035
I make a lot of Cajun Boudan sausage, using cooked pork loin. I have had no trouble grinding the pork loin. It works best if you don't over stuff the grinder. It took me a little while to get the hang of just how much hand pressure to use on the meat while turning the hand crank. It cut the meat very well and I was surprised at how well it did that. I have not used the stuffing attachment yet. Cleaning it is very easy.
968954
I have only used this for baking. I do not get the feeling that it is for browning meat. Just try a little oil in the pan and if you like, flour the meat and it will brown up. You can also brown without the flour.
823500
We actually just used this on the grill last night and it worked perfectly! We didn't leave the themometer in the meat while it cooked, we just checked periodically when we knew the meat should be close to being done. Hope this helps!
723923
I always start with hot grates before placing my meats on the grill. I'm sure you don't Have to temper the grates, but its automatic with how I cook. The grates are thin metal, so they will heat rapidly either way.Good Luck.
134168
I'm sorry. That's never happened with ours. I wonder if the temperature you cook with has something to do with it. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck in finding the answer.
258242
Interesting question-------one I would have never thought of. It has a shiny finish that with time and use has become not so shiny anymore. It is a black porcelain look. True, when cleaned, it doesn't come completely clean, but, most of the stuck on food comes off. I do wish I had started spaying the grate--from the very first--with a non stick spray. The grate size is good for soaking in the sink before cleaning.Oh! I absolutely love this grill! It gets much hotter than any I have ever had and cooks quickly and more evenly than any I have had before. It is ideal for searing a steak and leaving the center rare--very rare, the way I like it. Interesting question-------one I would have never thought of. It has a shiny finish that with time and use has become not so shiny anymore. It is a black porcelain look. True, when cleaned, it doesn't come completely clean, but, most of the stuck on food comes off. I do wish I had started spaying the grate--from the very first--with a non stick spray. The grate size is good for soaking in the sink before cleaning.Oh! I absolutely love this grill! It gets much hotter than any I have ever had and cooks quickly and more evenly than any I have had before. It is ideal for searing a... » Read More Interesting question-------one I would have never thought of. It has a shiny finish that with time and use has become not so shiny anymore. It is a black porcelain look. True, when cleaned, it doesn't come completely clean, but, most of the stuck on food comes off. I do wish I had started spaying the grate--from the very first--with a non stick spray. The grate size is good for soaking in the sink before cleaning.Oh! I absolutely love this grill! It gets much hotter than any I have ever had and cooks quickly and more evenly than any I have had before. It is ideal for searing a steak and leaving the center rare--very rare, the way I like it. « Show Less
421280
Haven't had any issues with it heating up. I blend directly in pan for creating creamy soups and sauces. Try pulsing if you have heating problem when doing large quantities whether cold or hot.
689802
HI B. Geppert ; No I havent had to reason this pot at all .I use it aleast 3 to 4 times a week and I make sure that after every use I completely dry it and rub the interior with crisco . If I run out of crisco I use pam or Olive oil . If you dont plan on using it as regularly then You can use the conditioner , but if its going to get constant use then I would use a natural grease or oil of your choosing . Of all the lodge I own only my skillet came close to getting reasoned but that one was never factory seasoned . And for that one I just normally put a pound of bacon in it then put it in the oven so far so good . remember most importan dont let them air dry the minute you wash them dry them dont let give the metal any chance to rust . If you dont want to hand dry it then just throw it on the stove heat it up till it dries then as it cool apply your coating works like a charm
2093309
no it does not. I found to use the setting #5, use room temperature dogs or microwave to just remove chill, insert when popped up, turn end to end and insert again. When popped up this time dogs will be sizzeling and browned in areas. Very good, to me a grill taste, worth the effort, also the buns are browned.
426261
I have the same device. Of course I didn't realize that it was for meat temp., not grill temp, so when it went over what you'd ever want for meat... well same problem. However, I noticed the problem right away and it was just fine next time I used it. If you didn't see it right when it happened, but let it get even higher you might have burned something out. Not much help, sorry and good luck.
1037986
Do you mean to flavor the meat? probably possible. I've placed fresh rosemary on the inside for that purpose. On the outside, instead of using charcoal briquettes? Probably, but you'll have to keep replacing it and possibly cook longer in order to meat on the inside fully cooked.
449503
Go to char boil.com. There is a ton of info out there. I have used mine every weekend since I've owned it . Buy a good thermometer and go by it. Get a bunkbed basket put it in the bottom of the basket if you cook larger cuts of meat keeps cooking more even. Less heat in the bottom. listen, put a ham, a turkey, porkbutt roast, sirloin roast . Or any thing you can imagine. This thing Rocks. I love it . I have also given 2 oil fryers away. P.S try pork butt roast. it will get eaten way before it ever gets pulled. AWESOME. Hoped this helped
1674538
I did notice the newer version cooks faster... Lower the temperature to the lowest setting and ensure you have enough liquid in the pan (tomato sauce or BBQ sauce) so the meat stays moist. Also cooking time is less with the newer version too. Hope this helps :)